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BEACON Senior News - Western Colorado

Life at Cappella: a new level of assisted living

Jan 03, 2024 11:56AM ● By Tabatha Stewart

Cappella of Grand Junction is not an assisted living “facility,” but rather a community that provides its residents a comfortable, safe environment where they can thrive and live independently. Residents enjoy life-enriching activities and the opportunity to socialize with like-minded people.

“We’re here to help our residents enjoy life to its fullest, with an emphasis on respect and dignity,” said Barbara Schumacher, move-in coordinator at Cappella. 

The community, located at 628 26½ Road, is beautifully decorated and includes a concierge, bistro, dining room and plenty of spaces carved out for socializing, playing games, reading or visiting guests. 

Cappella includes 66 apartments. Residents range in age from 70 to 103. 

Residents in assisted living can receive various levels of care as necessary, but live independently in their own apartments. Memory care residents receive supervision and care 24 hours a day.

All residents can receive help with medication management and activities of daily living, such as showering, grooming or getting rides to and from appointments. Staff, or care partners, help with the smallest details, such as help getting the TV remote to work.

Rent within the community includes three meals a day, with daily specials, as well as additional meals if the specials are not to residents’ liking. Weekly housecleaning and laundry service are also included, as well as internet, 100 television channels and resident activities.

“We offer support whenever it is needed, but we want residents to do as much for themselves as they can, for as long as they can,” said Schumacher.

Melva Willbanks, 85, said she loves living in a wonderful community with people she has come to know as family.

“I love being in a group of people my age,” said Willbanks. “And there’s no cooking or cleaning that I have to do. The food is good, but not as good as my own cooking.”

Ruth Miller, 87, has lived at Cappella for two years and is an official resident ambassador, welcoming new residents to the community.

“I love it here,” said Miller. “It’s my home. Everyone is so friendly and outgoing. It’s a wonderful place.”

Cappella allows pets, although the resident must be able to take care of the animal themselves. They also offer respite care, where a resident can come live for a short period of time while their family members or caregivers are not available.

Schumacher said many family members or potential residents reach out to her when they are first beginning to explore the opportunities of assisted living, and Cappella offers free tours or consultations.

To learn more, visit CappellaGrandJunction.com or call 970-822-7070.